Iran sets preconditions, casting shadow over U.S.-Iran talks

Pakistan is set to host U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, but although the Iranian delegation has arrived in Islamabad, their attendance remains uncertain, as Tehran insists that Israel must halt its air raids on Lebanon as a precondition.

On Friday, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Gharaibeh demanded first a ceasefire in Lebanon and the unfreezing of Iranian assets as prerequisites for any peace talks with the United States—casting uncertainty over the upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations scheduled in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Previously, before departing for Islamabad, U.S. Vice President Vance urged Tehran not to "toy with" Washington while pledging to "work diligently toward positive negotiations." Vance assured: "If Iran is willing to negotiate in good faith, we are fully prepared to extend an olive branch."

Since the temporary two-week ceasefire agreement was brokered by Pakistan, Tehran and Washington have disagreed on whether Lebanon should be included in the deal.

Just hours after the ceasefire took effect, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Lebanon on Wednesday, killing more than 300 people—the deadliest attack the country has suffered since the Middle East war erupted following the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran on February 28.

According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, a new round of Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed 13 security force members in southern Lebanon.

When President Trump announced the ceasefire, Pakistan—acting as mediator in the conflict—had guaranteed that the truce “applies to all areas, including Lebanon.”

However, Israel claimed the agreement did not cover Lebanon. The United States subsequently echoed Israel’s position.

On Friday, Islamabad remained on high alert to ensure smooth conduct of the U.S.-Iran talks. A giant banner stretched across a highway bridge read “Islamabad Talks 2026 April,” with the flags of the United States and Iran hanging above it.

Pakistan had invited delegations to meet on Friday, but Vance is expected to arrive only on Saturday morning. He will lead the U.S. delegation alongside envoy Witkov and Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.

Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether Iran’s delegation will attend the talks in Islamabad. According to Tasnim News Agency, negotiations will be suspended if “the U.S. fails to fulfill its commitment to a ceasefire in Lebanon.”

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862124725625868/

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